From the desk of Stephen Foley, Security Manager...
Cybercrime isn't just a concern for big corporations; it presents a very real and serious threat to all businesses. You may be a target of a hacker or at risk of identity theft without even realizing it. That’s why it's important to take steps to secure your devices — and yourself. Here are some easy ways to keep yourself safe and secure online:
Use caution when opening attachments or clicking on links.
Don't open attachments from unknown senders in emails, chats, or texts. Email attachments can contain viruses and other malware, so it's best to avoid opening attachments unless you know they're safe. Also, be careful with links in email messages, texts, or chats, as they can lead to phishing sites.
Hackers often use fake websites to steal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. If you receive an email from someone you don’t know asking for personal information, do not respond—this person may be trying to steal your identity or other personal data.
Please think twice before responding to emails sent by known senders in unexpected ways (e.g., only part of their name is correct). If the message seems off somehow—if even one character is out of place—it may mean that this person has been compromised by a hacker trying to steal your identity.
Don't share personal info online.
When it comes to staying secure in the digital world, one of the simplest things you can do is avoid sharing personal information online. It is advisable not to share personal information such as your full name, home address, phone number, and social security number anywhere on the internet.
Unfortunately, we are making this easy on criminals by offering that information through digital outlets. Most cyber-attacks result from people falling prey to scams and phishing emails crafted specifically to trick them into giving up their personal data. Using these details in conjunction with other available resources makes compromising an account much easier for hackers. Be sure to limit what you share about yourself to stay safe online.
Keep your devices updated and secured.
It can be easy to forget that our personal devices are also a valuable target. Hackers are constantly working on new ways to break into your phone, tablet, computer, or any other device that connects to the internet.
It's critical to keep your devices updated and secured so you won't fall prey to hackers who want access to your personal and financial information. Software developers always release updates, so make sure you download them regularly.
Secure your phone with a PIN or password.
The best way to secure your phone against compromise is by using an automatic screen lock and a password or PIN. You can choose the amount of time before it activates but enabling this feature is a recommended best practice.
Additionally, please don't use the same passwords for everything or share them with anyone. Your passwords should never be easy-to-guess, such as birthdays or family names. Instead, create unique passwords for all accounts so that if one does get compromised, the others will remain safe (and vice versa).
Practice good cybersecurity habits.
Good cybersecurity habits can keep you safe online and protect you from identity theft, malware, and more. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible, which requires a password and another form of identification to log in. The authentication could be a code sent to your phone or an app that generates random numbers so that someone else couldn't log in without both pieces of information.
It is never advisable to use public Wi-Fi when connecting to sites requiring personal information. A hacker can compromise an unsecured Wi-Fi network or lurk nearby to catch passwords and other personal information transmitted over unsecured connections. Once you connect to the compromised Wi-Fi network, the hackers could steal your login credentials. Also, be sure you are on a secure website (will have a URL with the prefix "HTTPS") before entering any personal information into an online form, even if your on on a secure network.
Remember that staying safe online is a daily practice. No matter how quickly technology advances, the tips in this article will remain relevant, easy to follow, and help keep you safe.
While the tips above protect personal online safety, it is equally critical to ensure your organization is cyber-resilient. This means preparations are in place to respond and recover from a potential cyber incident with little to no damage to operations, the financial bottom line, or your organization's reputation. Follow the link below to learn more:
For more information on staying safe online, contact us at info@systemsengineering.com or call 888.624.6737. Clients, please get in touch with your Systems Engineering Account Manager.
